For authenticity badge, India's handloom textiles to carry a special tag
New Delhi: Looking to build globally recognizable brands around India's traditional textiles, the government has proposed a new regulatory framework that would make it mandatory for all products sold as handloom to carry an official ‘Handloom Mark’ label, which will carry strict compliance norms.The move aims to curb misuse of the handloom tag and to strengthen consumer confidence in the authenticity of India's handwoven goods, as per a draft regulation notified by the textiles ministry to the World Trade Organization (WTO).The regulations follow the launch of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat—India’s first premium brand and logo for its home-grown cotton brand—and reflects a broader effort to sharpen the global positioning of for genuine handloom products and boost weavers' income. The aim is to promote premium Indian cotton on the lines of well-known international brands such as Egypt’s Giza cotton and US's Pima cotton.According to the WTO paper, the proposed regulations aim to promote handloom products in the domestic as well as international markets.
The framework also seeks to strengthen market linkages for weavers, improve supply chains. The government will create a database of handloom suppliers and weavers and facilitate uninterrupted work for artisans throughout the year.The proposed regulation is expected to be adopted on 1 April 2026, with the rules slated to come into force from 1 October 2026, according to the WTO document.The new norms were notified to the WTO on 11 March, and all members have been asked to give their comments by 31 March.Textiles minister Giriraj Singh told Mint that free trade agreements (FTAs) with several developed economies have opened up significant market opportunities for Indian textile
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